Problems with Tarrant County ME's office?
I was recently alerted to a situation that so far has been under the radar. David Fisher is somone who appears to be on a one man crusade against ME's offices. You might think he is a little off - but results speak for themselves. So far he has gone after Lubbock County and Travis County, and basically caused the reorganization of both offices. Now he has turned his sites toward Tarrant County.
The Tarrant County ME's office is headed by Nizam Peerwani - who is somewhat of an icon. I doubt there are many criminal defense lawyers who aren't familiar with Peerwani. He vaulted to national prominence when the handled the Branch Davidian autopsies. As far as I knew, his reputation has never been seriously challenged.
The issue Fisher is going after involves the relationship between Peerwani and the County. ME's offices are unusual creatures - created by Texas statutes. The contract with Tarrant County and Peerwani is actually with Peerwani and his professional association. He is paid a fixed amount, and in turns has hired four medical examiners who work for him. Peerwani also has a private firm - that firm does work for other counties, as well as private parties - including defense attorneys.
It appears on paper that there are problems with the agreement between Peerwani and Tarrant County. Is it a problem that defense lawyers and defendants need to be concerned with? - I don't know. Clearly, any times you have financial issues in play, there is the potential for problems. There is always the potential for choosing money over the truth; or at least the potential for cutting corners.
I don't think we have seen the end of this. How much of an impact it will have is something only time will tell.
